Skip to Content

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

These Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are the perfect treat to snack on during the holidays.  They’re also great as added crunch for a salad or for last-minute gifting!  

This post is sponsored by the makers of In The Raw®.  I received product, information, and a gift card to facilitate my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

small white bowl of sugared pecans

James isn’t a big dessert or sweets guy, but he does have one weakness: Cinnamon Sugar Pecans. If the fair or the ball game … or the gas station… is selling them, he’s buying.

I finally set out to make my own; this super easy and totally addicting recipe was the result.  I knew I didn’t want to mess with the hassle of egg whites (which most recipes call for) and I wanted to use turbinado sugar (I love the big, beautiful crystals). I love the way they turned out!

adding turbinado sugar to a bowl of pecans

These Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and subtle heat.  James isn’t a big fan of cayenne pepper (he can tell right away when I’ve been heavy-handed in my White Chicken Chili Soup) but I still snuck a tiny 1/4 teaspoon into this recipe.

Cinnamon and cayenne are a delicious duo typically paired with chocolate (like in my Mexican Hot Fudge Sauce).  I plan to make another big batch of these Cinnamon Sugar Pecans to snack on in the kitchen while prepping for Thanksgiving next week.  Somebody remind me to save enough to sprinkle over Greek yogurt the next day for some Black Friday fuel!    

box of Sugar in the Raw

What’s Needed for Sugared Pecans? 

These candied pecans contain no egg, which I find much easier! Here’s what you’ll need to make sugar coated pecans: 

  • Pecan halves
  • Unsalted butter
  • Turbinado sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cinnamon 
  • Cayenne 
sheet pan with cinnamon sugar pecans

Turbinado Sugar vs Brown Sugar

  • Turbinado sugar is a brown sugar, but it is not the same thing as brown sugar.
  • The main difference between the two is how much molasses is in each final product: turbinado sugar has less molasses so its flavor is milder than that of brown sugar.
  • Crystal size is another key differentiator: turbinado sugar crystals are larger than brown sugar crystals- which makes them a perfect “finishing” sugar.  (Like for bakery-style Blueberry Muffins.)

What is Sugar In The Raw?

Sugar In The Raw® is a Turbinado sugar made exclusively from sugarcane.  Juice is extracted from the sugarcane and then crystallized through evaporation to maintain its natural molasses, golden color and distinctive flavor.

Turbinado sugar also has less moisture than brown sugar which makes the crystals less sticky.  You can measure Sugar In The Raw simply by scooping it up in a measuring cup and leveling it off; whereas brown sugar has to be packed down first.

The jewel-like crystals are perfect as a finishing sugar to add sparkle to muffins and cookies.  The hearty, golden crystals are made from the first pressing of the cane and never bleached, so they keep the delicious, rich flavor and color of their natural molasses.

spoonful of sugared pecans

How to Make Sugared Pecans 

  1. Pour pecans and melted butter into a bowl.  Stir well to coat.
  2. Add turbinado sugar to pecans and stir again.
  3. Pour pecans onto a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.
  4. While pecans are baking, add granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne to the same bowl the pecans were in before.
  5. Remove pecans from the oven and add back to the bowl with the sugar and spices.
  6. Stir the pecans and sugar together.
  7. Pour back onto the baking pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

How Long Do Cinnamon Pecans Last? 

If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these cinnamon sugar roasted pecans will last for a few weeks.  

small white bowl of cinnamon pecans

Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Pecans 

I love the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and cayenne — if you’re not a fan, feel free to omit the cayenne. 

Be sure to use raw pecan halves. You’ll be roasting the pecans in the oven, so you don’t want to buy pre-roasted nuts. 

These sugared pecans would be super cute wrapped up as gifts for Christmas.  Take my advice and package them up right away if you plan to gift them… before you eat the whole pan one handful at a time. Not that I know anything about that!

More Holiday Treats: 

small white bowl of pecans

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

3.75 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 204kcal
Author: Emily Grace

Ingredients

  • 3 cups pecan halves
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp turbinado sugar
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pour pecans and melted butter into a medium sized bowl.  Stir well to coat completely.
  • Add turbinado sugar to pecans and stir again, until the pecans are covered evenly.
  • Pour pecans onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.
  • While pecans are baking, add granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne to the same medium bowl the pecans were in before. Mix well.
  • Remove pecans from the oven and add back to the bowl with the sugar and spices.
  • Stir the pecans and sugar together until all are well coated.
  • Pour back onto baking pan and bake an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the tray.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight bag.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.6mg
Did you make this recipe? Mention @GraceGoodEats or tag #graceandgoodeats!

Sugar In The Raw® premium turbinado sugar is certified non-GMO, vegan and naturally gluten-free.  It’s conveniently available in packets, bulk, liquid and old-fashioned cubes.  Visit them on Facebook or at InTheRaw.com for more recipes.

Recipe Rating




Tawnie Kroll

Friday 16th of November 2018

These look so easy and yummy!! I never knew the difference between Turbinado and brown - thanks!!

Susie

Friday 16th of November 2018

I have a huge Costco size bag of sugar in the raw in my house right now! And I just bought pecans. I will definitely be making this

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!